Beyond the Celebrations: A Reflection on the MAGA Movement, Washington’s Old Guard, and Future Challenges

This weekend, and most of this week as official Washington, D.C., is consumed with celebrations, I remembered how much—or little—has changed in our nation’s capital. The first presidential inauguration I attended was in 1989 for George H.W. Bush.

I still recall the excitement and optimism of that time, the sense that our republic, despite its challenges, was an enduring force. I don’t quite remember who gave me the tickets—likely through the Miami political circles I was involved in, but I am grateful I went. The experience was eye-opening. It was a lesson on federal politics and the start of my journey to understand how official Washington operates and how deeply entrenched its ways are.

Thousands of people in town are MAGA patriots celebrating a well-earned win that has been in the making for a few years. We should celebrate; however, a cadre of locals, including a few who have weaseled their way into posts in the new administration, are sharpening their political knives. Today, they will party. Tomorrow, they will go on the warpath to undermine the MAGA agenda.